House in a Field

This replacement dwelling sought to emulate the historic workers cottages which had fallen into dereliction on the site while also better integrating into its present day setting of open farmland. A large masonry gable and through wall anchored the house and increased localise definition within the site as it did with the workers cottages but the remainder of the house used a portal frame construction mirroring the barns of neighbouring farms. Shou sugi ban was combined with Sinusoidal metal roofing to mimic the rural vernacular palette while maximising sustainability. A small entry wing and utility was added to the front of the house to define the two storey element and visually signpost the entrance.

Photography by Pete Helme

A modern, minimalist white tower with a square opening at the top stands beside a barn-style new build featuring a slanted roof of dark corrugated metal, set against a cloudy sky. The structure has clean lines and a geometric design.
open tread cantilevered stairs
A modern barn-style new build with large windows and a sloped roof stands beside a smaller black outbuilding. The patio offers outdoor dining, a lounge area, BBQ grill, and potted plants, all nestled in a lush garden under a partly cloudy sky.
A minimalist, barn-style new build in unfinished grey with a slanted roof and several windows stands behind green bushes, surrounded by tall grass and wild vegetation under an overcast sky. The house’s bare exterior shows exposed concrete or timber.
A modern barn-style new build in black timber features large glass windows, an open-plan interior, a patio with two lounge chairs, and a green lawn. A small matching black building sits in the background beneath a blue sky with light clouds.
Modern black barn-style new build with large windows and a pitched roof stands beside a matching outbuilding. A gravel driveway and wooden fences frame the property, whilst a small pond in the foreground reflects the sky and buildings. Blue sky with scattered clouds above.

Sustainable Measures

Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP)

Natural sustainable materials and reused materials

Environmental construction policy to minimise chemical use and construction waste

Passive solar gain regulation/orientation studies undertaken during design

Electric car charging and allocated space for future battery installation

Minimal internal structure to allow future alteration

High insulation levels (low U and Y values)

Biodiverse landscaping used

Melksham, North Wiltshire

Barn-style New Build